Alexey Shevchenko: What’s with Evgeny Kuznetsov this year?Valery Belousov: That injury at the beginning of the year really put him out of step. He came back then, started scoring but the consequences are still felt. His physical shape is just not there. We gave him a couple games of rest, he scored again, but the problems are still there. Our fans shocked me too. I’d never think they can do anything like that.

Alexey Shevchenko: What happened?Valery Belousov: They started to whistle him [whistling in Russia is like booing in the US]. And I’m telling Evgeny to not pay attention to that. Because these very same people will applaud him if we start winning. But now they whistle as soon as he gets the puck. I’m telling him: “Zhenya, you can’t step on the ice [without whistling], but I feel embarrassed to go to the store”. This will pass.

Talking to Shevchenko, Kuznetsov said he wasn’t the only one greeted unkindly after a 2-0 shutout loss to Yugra, which extended his team’s losing streak to five games: “They whistled at me and other guys. And when we exited after the game, they were trying to insult us, talking trash. I’m not offended though. Fans want to see wins and they’re emotional. It’s okay, it’s a motivation to play our best.”

In the same interview, Kuznetsov said the Olympic roster– not the money (reportedly he’s made a total between $7.6 to 10 million over the life of his contract)– was the determinant factor in his decision to stay in Russia for two more years. “I understand, that first of all Bilyaletdinov will be picking from those who go to the [Channel One Cup]”, Kuznetsov told Shevchenko, “but there’s still a chance to make a team. The rosters will be submitted on January 7th, and I’ve got time to show that I didn’t regress. My dream to play at the Games stays. I stayed in Russia for two more years for a reason. Everyone thinks it’s because of money, but they’re mistaken. I stayed to play in Sochi.”

Speaking with Sport-Express’ Igor Larin, former NHL enforcer Andrei “The Russian Bear” Nazarov, currently coaching Donbass Donetsk and the Ukrainian national team, had encouraging words for Kuznetsov. “Sometimes to make a good jump you need to make a step back to take a run at it,” Nazarov said. “I think that’s the temporary setback we see right now. Most importantly, this young master is just 21.”

Yesterday, Traktor snapped their losing streak by beating Atlant 3-2 on the road. Kuznetsov’s and Traktor’s woes appear far from over, but this big win has propelled them back to eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings. They’re tied in points with Admiral now, with one game in hand.

You’ll never get boo-ed by DC sports fans. Even if you’re on the other team… we’re a (sometimes annoyingly) polite group of people

yv

Another shutout loss today to Dynamo in Riga 0:2. It is quickly becoming ugly. Kuzya has really overestimated his moronic agent, who might did well financially for Kuz and himself in a short terms, but really damaging his future. Even his former younger teammate V. Nichushkin, who left this summer despite all the pressure and playing well right now for Dallas, has better chances to be in the Bill’s Olympic team, than Kuz.

Red

I’m sure that’s exactly what they said to Semin when he came to play for the Caps.

Golly Girl

Ummmmm – I was at the game on Tuesday, and that certainly wasn’t love being showered Mike Green’s direction … altho in general I agree about the politeness of DC fans.

Matt

mike green literally JUST got booed last game…

Chris Cerullo

Let’s rephrase that. You won’t get booed unless you decide to take 18 penalty minutes within 6 shifts and also be on for a goal against.

bskillet

Seems we’re doing just fine right now minus some pretty sad goaltending and some very stupid penalties, I don’t see this kid making much of a difference. Much ado about nothing through my eyes.

http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com Ian Oland

He’ll be a good player here as long as he’s healthy. No worries.

Mikey

I’m asking a serious question and not trying to give you a snarky reply. If he’s not doing all that well there why would he in the NHL?

Freedoooom

Backstrom just went on a 5 game pointless streak.

Farooqito_Alejandro_bin_Lopez

I think we should trade him for a top tier defenseman. I don’t see him making much of an impact in Washington. We have enough firepower.